Are roof rack end caps needed to prevent water intrusion?

[HGB]

I had the Toyota dealership remove my roof rack six months ago. They placed the rack in the back of my vehicle and when I got home I gently set it in my garage.

I have a trip coming up and need a roof basket so I need to install the roof rack again. When I came to do so the end caps on the roof rack that cover the bolts have clips that were broken by the Toyota dealership.

I am less than optimistic that I can call them and ask for replacements because it was over six months ago and I did not notice sooner as I never planned to reinstall the roof rack. The parts are around $300 for new and I would prefer not to have to buy them.

Can I leave them off and experience high pressure car washes in the rain without any water intrusion?

 

[grinchy]

They're cosmetic only. Do use a thread sealant (such as the loctite blue used at factory) or another water intrusion method on the bolts.

Read the thread on how to keep the headliner clips in place (tighten bolts 1 or 2 mm each, alternating)

 

[KLF]

I've never removed my rack, but I have popped those caps off. They are very fragile and those clips are easy to break, I think I might have snapped a couple. But IMO the caps provide no waterproof protection, they are aesthetic only. I would snap them back on, they put a black zip-tie around them (or use some black RTV if you don't plan to ever remove them again).

 

[HGB]

I've never removed my rack, but I have popped those caps off. They are very fragile and those clips are easy to break, I think I might have snapped a couple. But IMO the caps provide no waterproof protection, they are aesthetic only. I would snap them back on, they put a black zip-tie around them (or use some black RTV if you don't plan to ever remove them again).

Good ideas... I do want to remove them again after the trip, can you think of other ideas that would be reversible? Maybe Velcro?

I’m ok with the zip ties but I fee the wind would dislodge them very quickly as they aren’t snapping in place without the clips.

 

[KLF]

So I just took a look at mine installed, and I see what you mean that the zip tie around the roof bar might not be sufficient. If you want to keep them removable, then another idea that I would try would be to put strips of Gaffers tape along the edge where they meet the roof. If you've never used Gaffers tape, it's awesome stuff, like a really high quality duct tape. I've used it for many things and it lasts a long time, is very strong, and the best part is when you eventually remove it, there is no adhesive residue left behind. The main carrier material is waterproof fabric, not plastic that delaminates. I learned about this stuff many years ago when I took a theatrical stagecraft set construction class, they use it all over the place. I keep a roll in my truck and at home. It's usually black matte, so no reflection, you won't even see it up there. Make sure you get the official Gaffer brand.

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